As with other facets of the NLP system, the intention behind formalising the study of influence allows people to understand the process, and to duplicate those skills through direct application of one or more of the Sleight Of Mouth patterns.

The name "Sleight of Mouth" builds off the phrase "Sleight of Hand" which refers to a magicians' skills in making things happen which appear impossible.

A brief description of the key patterns appears below. However, most of the understanding will follow from working through examples, and seeing how these are applied.

Intent: Focus on the intention behind the statement. This can be done by highlighting their positive intent behind the belief, or by challenging the negative intent.

Consequences: Find a consequence (even an unintended consequence) which results in the belief being challenged.

Another Outcome: Maybe people who XYZ need ABC.

Counterexample: Use an exception where their statement would not be true - which causes the belief that underlies the statement to be questioned.

Apply to self: Turn the comment back to them - by saying (or implying) that the consequence they suggest applies to you, actually applies to them for making the original statement.

Reality strategy: Challenge the belief based on the fact that beliefs arise from certain perceptions. Ultimately, this is about asking how they know their belief is true, or what aspects of the belief are really the issue. (This is like the Metamodel.)

Model of the World: Argue that they are saying that as a metaphor for something else.

Meta frame: Challenge the basis behind the belief, rather than the belief. Suggest that their belief presupposes something.

Change Frame Size: Extend the implications of the belief to a larger (or a smaller) scale; or to a larger (or shorter) time frame.

Hierarchy of Criteria: Challenge the belief based on more important criteria, suggesting something more important they should be considering.